Airstream NTERSTATE

EXTERIOR

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How to Care for Your RV Finish

Keeping your RV looking its best at all times involves keeping the paint ﬁnish clean

and in good condition. This means periodic washing and polishing, as well as getting

the paint ﬁnish repaired as soon as possible when the paint is damage or affected in

anyway. The purpose of the paint ﬁnish is twofold:

(1) Provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

(2) To protect the vehicle from the environment. Your RV is exposed to many environ-

mental conditions that have an adverse effect on the paint ﬁnish:

1. ROAD SALTS AND SODIUM CHLORIDE

2. ROAD TAR/BUGS

3. BIRD DROPPINGS/TREE SAP

4. INDUSTRIAL FALLOUT/ACID RAIN/POLLUTION

5. ULTRAVIOLET EXPOSURE AND MOISTURE

The most common problems resulting from these conditions are corrosion, staining

and chemical spotting. These problems can be minimized through regularly scheduled

washing and polishing.

Washing your RV:

Make sure the RVs surface temperature is not too hot, under 90 degrees Fahrenheit,

and not in direct sunlight. A shady area is ideal for washing your vehicle as direct

sunlight causes water and soap to evaporate too fast, resulting in water spotting. Use

a mild soap or detergent. Most auto care stores carry a car wash shampoo. Try

to avoid combination wash-n-wax products as these waxes cause buildup and are

designed for smaller surfaces. Have two dedicated sponges or wax mitts: one for

the paint ﬁnish and one for the wheels and under carriage. Brushes or wash mitts

that have plastic bristles are acceptable for use on tires and wheel wells, but are not

intended for use on the paint ﬁnish.

Avoid using such items on painted surfaces, as they will damage the RV paint and

ﬁnish. Wash the wheels and wheel wells ﬁrst as this removes heavy dirt and debris

and prevents it from splattering on already clean panels. Wet the entire area down to

remove loose dirt and grime, hand wash one area at time using your dedicated paint

ﬁnish sponge or wash mitt. Wash from the top and work your way down, frequently

rinsing the rinsing to minimize grit abrasion. Follow with a ﬁnal rinse of water. If

This process will remove most contamination from the RVs surface. For stubborn

stains such as road tar, use an ammonia based glass cleaner or a small amount of

rubbing alcohol on a damp cloth immediately followed by warm soapy water and rinse

with clean water. This may not dissolve the road tar, but will loosen tar and bugs stains

and remove them from the surface. Do not use solvent based cleaners on bird drop-

pings or tree sap as these are water-based stains and will eventually dissolve using an

ammonia based glass cleaner, warm soapy water and a little “elbow grease”. Once

again, after removing stubborn stains immediately rinse with clean water.

Drying the RV is just as important as washing your vehicle as today’s tap water and

well water contain many chemicals that could water stain your RVs ﬁnish. We suggest

using a damp natural or synthetic chamois, however, there are other drying products

such as lint free micro-ﬁber towels that work just as well.